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RIP Sipho Mthembu

Football journalism in this country today lost one of its key players following news of the passing of Sowetan writer Sipho Mthembu.

KICK OFF Editorial Director Richard Maguire says: “When I began working full-time in football journalism in 1994, Sipho Mthembu was already on the beat. He served the Sowetan for many years and I still have fond memories of the friendly rivalry and camaraderie that existed among soccer journalists in Johannesburg in those days.
“Years later, when I started to send Neil Greig on trips into Africa to cover Bafana, Sipho was one of those who took Neil under his wing and supported him. This act alone means he will always be remembered as a friend of KICK OFF, and for that we will always be grateful. Rest in peace Sipho."
Former Sowetan Sports Editor Molefi Mika remembered when Mthembu joined the paper on a full-time basis, having done internship with them during his studies.
“He actually had to beg me to come back and the new department also wanted him, but he chose to do it for sports. He started as an athletics reporter and even went to England for the World Cross Country Championships in 1992. There he impressed the international media and was invited to cover the World Athletics Championships two years later.
“After that we moved him to football, where he made both friends and enemies, just like any other journalist. All in all he was one of the best sports journalists that South Africa had ever seen. We will greatly miss him and the gap he has left will never be filled.”

Sipho Mthembu was well respected journo and those who were regular Sowetan readers would know him better. He came to the picture long before Matshe and Jonty Mark of this world. To those who are making funny news of his sudden death, I pray to God to forgive you because you don't know what you are doing. May Sipho soul rest in peace.

Anonymous

posted: 09:16 am

This is a big shock. South Africa has lost one of the best soccer writer I have ever seen in this conurty.Sipho shot straight from the hip. His reporting was always accurate and direct to what he believed was right for the readers.I still remember when he accused Robert Marawa to be on the payroll of Rob Moore and that Marawa was the mouthpiece of Moore players during his talkshows. I'm sure the Orlando Pirates family and Squveve will miss him so much because it was a known fact that Sipho was a true Buccaneer. Rest In Peace Mthembu the football fraternity will miss you.

DiskiDance

posted: 09:28 am

damn; the sowetan back pages will never be the same again! we've lost one the best football writers our country has ever produced! lala kahle Bhakabhaka! Once & in heaven Always!

Anonymous

posted: 09:31 am

In these times, we all panic because we never get used to death for
one simple reason we love our families and friends even our rivals.

This is not the time to ask question, but to wish umufi very well on his new journey.
May you travel well and your soul will rest in peace.

Bra Sika, please pass my greetings to Gift Leremi and Lebu Mathosa I miss their talent.
Tell God to provide a cure for Aids,Povery,Crime, and I ask for forgiveness on behalf of everyone.

Anonymous

posted: 09:33 am

Was he is still working for Sowetan at the time of his death? A few years ago I used to accuse him of being a staunch pirates supporter... an accussation he flately denied Early this year I asked one of the senior sports writers at Sowetan about his whereabouts....he told me he was not interested in commenting on Sipho Mthembu. I have always wondered why...RIP son of Africa.

Anonymous

posted: 10:11 am

RIP BUCCANEER

Anonymous

posted: 10:40 am

I would like to also extend my condolences to his family and friends. I only knew Sipho for a short period of time @ Turning Point and i can tell you that his passing came as a shock to me and i'll always remember him as a gentlemen who was intelligent and always devoted to his work. I'll surely miss the Mondays soccer reviews we've always had. Rest in peace Bra Sips as i used to call you.

Anonymous

posted: 10:57 am

Rest in peace bra Sipho
i used to phone him at sowetan offices from time to time to talk about football matters,very knowledgable,friendly and accommodating.

Anonymous

posted: 11:59 am

Actually Sipho was no longer at Sowetan at the time of his death, he left Sowetan about two years ago.

doink what are you on about?

RIP Bhakabaka!

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